Wayne Rooney has risked the ire of Manchester United fans by claiming the Glazers have 'done a fantastic job' at the club.
The Glazers became majority shareholders at Old Trafford in 2005 through a leveraged buyout and their ownership has seen standards at the club markedly deteriorate, the worst trophy drought for over 40 years and increased levels of debt.
United supporters have regularly protested against the Glazers and around 10,000 fans took part in a march against their ownership as recently as August.
ALSO READ: What happens next with United takeover
The Glazers announced in November, shortly after that demonstration, they were 'exploring strategic alternatives' for the club, which could include selling it, and they're now actively considering two formal takeover proposals.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have both submitted their proposals and Rooney, who now manages in America, was recently asked for his thoughts about the Glazers and the latest takeover news.
Rooney, rather surprisingly, used that opportunity to praise the Glazers, who he claimed have 'done a fantastic job'.
"Firstly, I think the Glazers have done a fantastic job, they've been at the club for, well they signed me in 2004, so they've been at the club for 20 years now and I think they've always allowed managers to bring the players in they want," Rooney told ESPN.
"I think it's clear the fans want change and obviously it looks like the Glazers are open for that change to come with putting the club up for sale and receiving the bids they have received, so hopefully they get the right people in. And it's people who are going to try to move the club forward."
READ MORE:
